SlimCleaner removal instructions

What is SlimCleaner?

Developed by Slimware Utilities Holdings Inc., SlimCleaner is a deceptive application presented as a legitimate system optimization tool. Although its features may seem legitimate and useful, SlimCleaner is categorized as a potentially unwanted program (PUP). Furthermore, SlimCleaner typically infiltrates systems without users' consent.

Following infiltration, SlimCleaner displays various pop-up messages claiming that the system is corrupted. It also performs a fake computer scan and displays many supposed infections and damaged files. To resolve these 'issues', victims are encouraged to purchase a full version of SlimCleaner. Note that SlimCleaner's developers attempt to scare and trick victims into paying for the full version, even though the system is not damaged. All of the listed errors are fake - this application is a scam. Therefore, we strongly advise you to ignore all pop-ups delivered by SlimCleaner and remove this application immediately.

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As mentioned above, SlimCleaner typically infiltrates systems without users' consent. This behavior is common to potentially unwanted programs. There is a high probability that SlimCleaner will have been delivered together with a number of other PUPs. These applications often deliver intrusive advertisements, modify browser settings, gather sensitive information, and misuse system resources to run unwanted processes. Intrusive ads are delivered using tools that enable placement of third party graphical content on any site. Therefore, pop-ups, coupons, banners, and other displayed ads often conceal underlying website content, thereby diminishing the browsing experience. In addition, the ads might redirect to malicious sites and run scripts that download and install malware. Thus, even a single click can result in high-risk computer infections. PUPs also modify browser options (e.g., default search engine, homepage, new tab URL, etc.) by assigning them to rogue sites (typically, fake search engines). These applications are essentially used to build the traffic of malicious sites. PUPs are also known to record confidential information. This data is shared with third parties (potentially, cyber criminals) who misuse private details to generate revenue. The presence of data-tracking apps can therefore lead to serious privacy issues or even identity theft. In addition, PUPs often misuse systems resources to mine cryptocurrencies or run other unnecessary background processes. In doing so, they significantly diminish overall system performance. All potentially unwanted programs must be eliminated immediately.

How did SlimCleaner install on my computer?

All PUPs are very similar. By offering useful features (file conversion, download performance increase, system optimization, anti-virus, etc.), potentially unwanted programs attempt to give the impression of legitimacy, however, they are designed only to generate revenue for the developers. Rather than giving any real value for regular users, potentially unwanted programs pose a direct threat to your privacy and Internet browsing safety.

Research shows that, although SlimCleaner has an official download website, it typically infiltrates systems without permission. Developers proliferate this PUP using intrusive advertisements, together with a deceptive marketing method called "bundling" (stealth installation of unwanted software with regular [usually free] programs). Developers hide "bundled" programs within "Advanced/Custom" settings or other sections of the download/installation processes. Many users skip download/installation steps and click advertisements. In doing so, they expose their systems to risk of various infections and compromise their privacy.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?

To prevent system infiltration by PUPs, be very cautious when browsing the Internet and, especially when downloading/installing software. In addition, criminals invest many resources into intrusive ad design. Therefore, most appear legitimate. Once clicked, however, these ads redirect to gambling, adult dating, pornography, and other dubious websites. If you experience these redirects, immediately eliminate all dubious applications and browser plug-ins. Furthermore, carefully analyze each window of the download/installation dialogs and opt-out of all additionally-included programs. Using a legitimate anti-virus/anti-spyware suite is also paramount. Poor knowledge of these threats and rushing steps are the main reasons for computer infections - key to safety is caution.

Screenshot of a pop-up displayed by SlimCleaner:

Screenshot of SlimCleaner PUP:

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Free scanner checks if your computer is infected. To remove malware, you have to purchase the full version of Spyhunter.

Remove SlimCleaner adware from Internet browsers:

At time of research, SlimCleaner did not install its browser plug-ins on Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, or Mozilla Firefox, however, it was bundled with other adware. Therefore, you are advised to remove all potentially unwanted browser add-ons from your Internet browsers.

Remove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

Click the Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "More tools" and click "Extensions". Locate all recently-installed suspicious browser add-ons, select these entries and click the trash can icon.

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the slimcleaner potentially unwanted program, reset your Google Chrome browser settings. Click the Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome) and select Settings. Scroll down to the bottom of the screen. Click the Advanced… link.

After scrolling to the bottom of the screen, click the Reset (Restore settings to their original defaults) button.

In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Google Chrome settings to default by clicking the Reset button.

Remove malicious add-ons from Microsoft Edge:

Click the three horizontal dots icon (at the top right corner of Microsoft Edge), select "Extensions". Look for any recently-installed suspicious extensions, right click your mouse on these entries and click "Uninstall".

Optional method:

Click the three horizontal dots icon (at the top right corner of Microsoft Edge), and select Settings.

In the opened tab, click the "Choose what to clear" button.

Click Show more and select everything, and then click the "Clear" button.

If this didn't help, please follow these alternative instructions explaining how to reset Microsoft Edge browser.

I am passionate about computer security and technology. I have an experience of 10 years working in various companies related to computer technical issue solving and Internet security. I have been working as an editor for pcrisk.com since 2010. Follow me on Twitter to stay informed about the latest online security threats.

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